A Chicago tradition from presidents to gangsters

Heaven master bedroom at Renaissance Blackstone Hotel

Handout

Handout

Glenn Jeffers, Special to Tribune Newspapers

Part of a series of mini-reviews of Chicago-area hotels.

Chicago is home to many historic hotels, but few may be as storied as the Blackstone. Twelve presidents — from Taft to Carter — have stayed at the Blackstone, some at times of national crisis. John F. Kennedy learned of Cuba's nuclear capabilities while eating a bowl of chowder.

Now under the Marriott's Renaissance line after a $128 million renovation, the Blackstone has a facade to match its grand legacy. The two-story lobby combines much of the Blackstone's restored 19th century motif with modern accents, such as a video-art installation behind the front desk.

Upstairs, the rooms (ranging from 300 to 600 square feet) offer modern accommodations, not to mention lots of artwork and literature detailing Chicago's history. Be sure to book a lake-view room facing east; the view of Grant Park may blow away anything you learn about Al Capone being a regular barbershop customer at the hotel.